Tag Archives: Christian love

We celebrated Valentine’s Day this past week. My family did the normal things…preparing treats and cards for my son’s elementary school party, exchanging cards and- the best part- Hollianne’s baking.

My biggest surprise, however, came in the mail.

I arrived home after a long day at work and discovered a letter from my mom in the mailbox. A hand-written letter that read:

“KS- You have had my heart for 46+ years. I think about you everyday and pray for you. I appreciate your friendship and am so very thankful and blessed that you are my son. God has been/is so good to us. I love you- Mom”

I shouldn’t have been surprised. Mom has told me that she loved me almost every day of my life.

But there’s something special about the written word that made this communication extra special.

I’ve got a family of writers. I’ve got notes from mom tucked away from numerous periods of my life.

My dad is a letter-writer too. He’s sent me letters for high school and college graduations, before my wedding day and to celebrate milestones in my marriage and career. I cherish all of these.

We are called to encourage.

Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. I Thessalonians 5:11

Jesus was the ultimate encourager. He lifted those who were hurting. He provided hope for the lost.

And He still does today.

You never know when an encouraging word- or note- can lift the burden of another. Just like my momma did on Valentine’s Day.

My prayer this weekend will focus on being more of an encourager. Please pray for me to be more aware of how I can lift the burden of another.

New job and new responsibilities. Lots of commuting. Long days and many new people to meet. A schedule full of meetings, too.

I realized yesterday that I needed to pack for three consecutive days on the road. While packing for the trip, I decided to return some phone calls. Admittedly, I was distracted with the phone conversations and not focused on packing what I needed for my trip.

I got to the hotel late last night and realized that I didn’t have my shaving kit. No toothbrush or toothpaste. No razor. Nothing.

I had also intended to finish up a Bible study during some quiet time at the hotel. Nope. I forgot my Bible too.

Finally- I realized that I had packed my new suit coat, but not the pants. Yep, I had 1/2 a suit. No tie either.

I didn’t have time to go purchase new dress slacks. I would have to go with what I had in my suitcase…a mismatched suit coat and dress pants.

I drew lots of strange stares at the conference today, for sure. If I were trying to make a fashion statement- it was an epic failure.

Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. Colossians 3:2

Has this ever happened to you? Trivial things fill our days and preoccupy our minds. If we aren’t careful, we can get so busy that we take our eyes off of what’s truly important. We have to stay focused.

Please pray for me to spend less time being “busy” – and more time focused on Jesus.